Ian vs. The Marshmallow

An experiment in self-control

Apps-A-Plenty

You want to use an iPhone in the classroom? Well a lot of kids already have one, so it might be advantageous to get them using it for school work instead of texting!

1. Try to use apps that are free.
2. Make sure the apps are age appropriate
3. Make sure the apps don't have inappropriate ads on them
4. Show the kids exactly how to use the app.
5. Make sure you have a way to assess the work they have done!

Do you want to feel car sick? 4 Tips on Prezi's

1. Don't use Prezi.



2. Keep it simple.



3. Don't make the transitions to crazy or everyone who watches it will toss their cookies!



4. Just like PowerPoint, don't use Prezi to script your lecture. Just use it as a supplement.

Mt. McKinley on Prezi

Chicken Little had it right. The sky is falling!

5 Tips on WebQuest'ing

1. Check the core curriculum and keep it on topic.


2. Make sure the links you use directs to actual webpages.


3. Include directions needed to navigate the webpages.


4. Give the kids some higher order thinking questions, and a few easy ones, so they have to think, but they also have some quick success.


5. Don't give the kids the answer key!

Thanks to Mrs. Abney for her help in using SlideShare!!

Webquest-Weather

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5 Tips on using a PowerPoint Presentation

1. Keep it simple, too much fluff is distracting.
2. Have a predetermined outline that makes sense.
3. Don't read from the slides, use them as reinforcements and note taking aids.
4. Throw in some pics, graphics, and animations to make it interesting.
5. Try to keep it to 8x8, no more than 8 words across or 8 words down (thanks for that tip Mr. Kammerman!).
   

Mt McKinley

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Literature - Chuck Norris style!

5 tips for making and using video's in your classroom

1. Make sure the content is fun and interesting.
2. Vary the shots so you have close-ups, medium, and wide shots.
3. Try your best to make the sound smooth, as proven in this video you can tell when it's not!
4. Keep it short, it's easier and more fun when you are successful.
5. Videos are a great way to get a concise assessment of knowledge.
   

Bloggers not Boogers in the Classroom! 5 Tips on blogs..

Blogs can be a lot of fun for a lot of reasons. How & why blogs enhance the classroom experience.

1. Blogs are a great way to disseminate information. Use that as a resource for parents and students that have missed class.


2. Blogs accesses many different intelligences: Visual, Written, Reading, Musical, Techy, etc.. Take advantage of that for the kids that struggle otherwise.


3. Blogs give kids a little bit of fame, something everyone loves these days! Tap into that desire.


4. Blogs are a great way for parents to peek in on what their kids are doing. Let them participate and comment. It's an easy way to tap into families entire "Funds of Knowledge".


5. If parents don't have easy computer access or skills, perhaps set up a time to do a little seminar with them and help them find access to computers in the community.

How do I use all this tech stuff? 5 Tips on using techy stuff in the classroom

There is so much technology available out there, how can I use it in a classroom full of 3rd-4th graders? Well, the answer is that a lot of them will be able to show you a few thing! But here is what you can do to help facilitate:

1. Have the equipment available in your classroom. When planning your units/lessons/days make sure to reserve what you will need ahead of time, from computers, to cameras, to iTouches.


2. Plan your units/lessons with technology in mind. e.g. For a science unit, have the kids take out cameras and take pictures of different types of plants, or the different parts of plants and have them incorporate it into an online report/class blog/etc...


3. Be acquainted with what's out there. Does a power button on the computer scare you? Take a tech class at the local community college. Watch a few YouTube videos on how to use a camcorder or digital camera. Take a little extra time to stay in touch with what is out there and how to use it.


4. Make sure you aren't just peppering in technology, make it meaningful. When using a class blog, make sure that parents are aware and involved and that it has relevant information and presentations. Make sure the kids aren't just typing for the sake of typing, have them access information they couldn't otherwise, or use technology as an authentic assessment tool.


5. Make it fun! Don't let the use of technology become stressful in your classroom. Make sure you are familiar with what you are using and that the actual tech devise is developmentally appropriate for your students. It's also a great way to differentiate in centers for the kids that are more prepared than others.

The Sky King

Due to popular demand, here is the link to The Sky King paper airplane video instructions.

THE SKY KING by Takuo Toda

The video is also embedded right over there ------>

Is technology social or isolating?

Technology opens up huge possibilities for gathering information but has it become socially stunting?

I am so excited to teach using the many different technologies available for presentations, research, accessibility, and the possibilities of international interaction. However, I wonder if it will become socially isolating from the people that are sitting right next to you. Because computers are designed for one user I think it would be difficult for younger children to learn equally while sharing a computer or doing small group work on a computer. I am just worried that social networking and various forms of technology are so individual that when they are not being used for bullying or "group think" they become isolating for students that are not naturally extroverts. What do you guys think? Is technology socially stunting?